BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s Medicare Advantage PPO product has
maintained its 4- out of 5-Star quality rating from the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the third year in a row.

CMS releases its annual quality ratings based on customer satisfaction
surveys, plan operations and quality outcomes covering 50 measures.
Those measures include whether members get their recommended care and
screenings, how well their chronic health conditions are controlled and
how satisfied they are with their overall health plan experience.

The BlueCross Medicare Advantage PPO received strong marks in all areas,
including the highest possible rating for customer service.

“This achievement lets us know we are on the right path in our efforts
to improve the member experience and reinforce the overall effectiveness
of our programs,” said Todd Ray, senior vice president of senior
products for BlueCross. “We remain committed to helping members connect
with their doctors to receive the quality care they need, and providing
support our members need to lead active, healthy lives.”

The BlueCross Medicare Advantage team collaborates with members and
providers to improve health outcomes. Some of those efforts include:

Partnering with providers on value-based reimbursement programs that
make it easier for physicians to get patients in for needed screenings
and follow-up care.

Implementing programs that encourage members to get CMS-recommended
tests and treatments as appropriate.

Assisting members in activities such as scheduling checkups or
coordinating home based assessments if they are unable to get to their
doctor’s office.

Dr. J.B. Sobel, vice president and chief medical officer for senior
products at BlueCross, said the achievement was made possible through a
sustained focus on improving members’ health and wellbeing.

“This 4-STAR rating substantiates our ongoing efforts to provide our
members with peace of mind and help them effectively manage their own
health,” he said. “Our quality, medical, and care management teams will
continue doing their best to ensure members have access to quality care
at the best value.”

About BlueCross®

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s mission is to provide peace of mind
through better health. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is
focused on serving more than 3.4 million members in Tennessee and across
the country. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent
licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information,
visit the company's website at bcbst.com.